I began writing for Forbes in 2010. It was just as the economy was starting to perk up and a fascinating time to cover the stock market, which I did for three months until I switched beats in September 2010. Now I contribute to the Leadership channel, with a focus on jobs and careers–-another hot topic in a time when people are vigorously hunting for jobs or desperately trying to hold on to the ones they have. I have a BA from the University of Arizona and a master's degree in journalism from Hofstra University. Follow me on Twitter @JacquelynVSmith, subscribe to me on Google+, or email me at jsmith [at] forbes [dot] com.

The Top 25 Universities To Work For

You have probably seen numerous university and college rankings, including Forbes’ “America’s Top Colleges,” which shed light on the quality of education and student’s experiences at the nation’s best schools. But how do these institutions stack up as places to work?

Glassdoor, an online jobs and career community where people share information and opinions about the places where they’re employed, offers a new type of university ranking. The site just put out a report that provides an inside look at what it’s like to work for more than 100 of the nation’s largest schools, based on employee sentiment—and released its third annual list of the Top 25 Universities to Work For.

“Each year, several reports offer insight into how universities compare as academic institutions for students to attend, but this annual report is unique because it’s the only one of its kind purely based on what employees have to say,” says Glassdoor spokesperson Samantha Zupan.

To be included in the evaluation, colleges and universities had to have at least 25 reviews submitted to Glassdoor by employees between Sept. 4, 2012, and Sept. 3, 2013. The respondents were asked to rate their employers on a five-point scale (1 = very dissatisfied, 5 = very satisfied).

With an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5, Texas Tech University snagged the No. 1 spot.

“Employees at Texas Tech often speak favorably about the supportive colleagues, good IT structure and the attractive campus,” Zupan says. “For example, one Texas Tech instructor who has been at the university for three years writes: ‘The people there are very laid back. The campus is beautiful. The pay is competitive with other universities. You are free to do your own thing just be ready at the deadline.’”

Trailing close behind in the No. 2 spot is Carnegie Mellon University, with a rating of 4.3 out of 5. Zupan says employees there ranked the university high “due to factors like the stimulating environment, the good location and the opportunities to collaborate.”

An IT manager at the Pittsburgh-based University wrote: “Strong work/life balance; staff is engaged in and proud of the CMU environment and reputation; ability to attract talented staff; strong focus on professional development; nice campus.”

Rounding out the top three is Brigham Young University. Last year the Provo, Utah-based school landed at the top of the heap. “While BYU may have dropped in the ranks in this year’s report, their rating did improve,” Zupan explains. “In 2013, BYU employees give the company a 4.3 rating, up from 4.2 the year prior. When asked what some of the best reasons are to work for BYU, employees noted great culture, good balance between work life and personal life as well as a high integrity work policy.”

Zupan says she was most surprised by the fact that The Lone Star State dominates the 2013 list. In addition to No. 1 Texas Tech, five other Texas-based schools cracked the top 25, including: The University of Texas at Austin, The University of Texas at San Antonio, The University of Texas at Dallas, Rice University and Texas A&M University. “While there is no direct reason why, it does offer valuable insight to employees interested in working in academia as the list can help shine a light on some of the universities and the locations they may want to consider.”

She also says Glassdoor continues to hear employees at many of the highest rated universities speak favorably about how they feel valued by administrators; the research opportunities they’re offered and encouraged to pursue; and the environments that promote a healthy work-life balance.

In addition to ranking the top colleges to work for, Glassdoor looked at the highest rated university presidents and chancellors. The Florida State University’s Eric J. Barron, Iowa State University’s Steven Leath and The University of Texas at San Antonio’s Ricardo Romo all received a perfect 100% approval rating, according to employee reviews (although, Leath and Romo each received fewer than 20 reviews).

“The University Report Card shows that universities may not only be competitive when it comes to the student admission process–but the top 25 universities, in particular, are competitive as places to work,” Zupan says. “It’s also interesting to note that the university president or chancellor ratings, an indication as to how well employees feel they are leading the academic institution, rate highly – all at or above 70% approval, the average CEO approval rating on Glassdoor across all employers featured on the jobs and career community.”

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